Chris Dunlavy

Franny Tierney was the golden boy for Doncaster Rovers play-off heroes

On May 10, 2003, at Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium, the winger scored an injury-time winner to settle the inaugural Conference play-off final. In doing so, he made Doncaster Rovers the only team in UK history ever to be promoted thanks to a Golden Goal.

by
The Non-League Football Paper Team
6 June 2021

By CHRIS DUNLAVY

TODAY, Francis Tierney is largely forgotten, at least outside Doncaster. Yet the 45-year-old will forever hold a rather unique distinction.
On May 10, 2003, at Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium, the winger scored an injury-time winner to settle the inaugural Conference play-off final. In doing so, he made Doncaster Rovers the only team in UK history ever to be promoted thanks to a Golden Goal.
“Winning like that… it’s almost impossible to describe,” recalls Dave Penney, the Donny manager that day. “One second you’re focussed on the game. The next, bang – it’s all over. I’ve w...

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